The Stream

Greek protesters, police clash at rally commemorating slain rapper

A rally marking the one year anniversary of the killing of anti-fascist rapper Pavlos Fyssas turned violent.

Clashes erupted between Greek police and protesters in Athens on Thursday at a rally commemorating the one year anniversary of the killing of an anti-fascist rapper. Pavlos Fyssas, who performed anti-racism and anti-fascism songs under the stage name Killah P, was stabbed by a supporter of the right-wing party Golden Dawn last year. His killing sparked widespread protests in Greece and initiated a government investigation into Golden Dawn’s role in violent attacks. 

The rally in Fyssas’s memory drew thousands and began peacefully, but took a violent turn when a smaller group of protesters attempted to set fire to a public bus. Greek police responded with tear gas. Police officials reported use of petrol bombs by protesters, as well as several smashed storefronts and at least one injury. 64 protesters were arrested